Upcoming Events

Neatherd's Got Talent 2016

Once again, Neatherd’s students proved just how much talent they have. The annual talent show took place on 10th November. The weather outside was cold, wet and miserable but the atmosphere inside was electric!

The usual mixture of singing, dancing and amazing musicianship was on offer with a few familiar faces taking part in what will be the final NGT before our Year 11 leave Neatherd in 2017: Emily Gibson, Liam Hubbard, Nathan Codling, Harry Sutton, Jess Irving, Cerys Blake and Hannah Bavage. We also say farewell to Harrison Matwij who usually participates in all musical events. Harrison, in his role as Head Boy judged the show alongside Lucy Kirk who was due to perform but had to pull out at the last minute due to illness. Lucy, however, stepped in as our female student judge when Head Girl Emily Jessop couldn’t attend due to a prior commitment. Thanks Lucy!

The Judges’ Vote was awarded to Luke Maxwell and Hannah Coe, both Year 9 students. Luke and Hannah performed “Popular” from the hit West End musical, “Wicked”. Their number combined fabulous acting talent with astonishing vocal range and proficiency. Neither Sorrel, Hannah nor Luke has taken part in NGT before and will certainly be booked up for the forthcoming Christmas Concert! Other newcomers to Neatherd’s got Talent included Rachel Dye and Melissa Linstead who sang beautifully.

The Audience Votes went to Sorrel McDermott as runner-up. Sorrel sang in Japanese and delighted the audience with a smiley, up-beat electro-disco-inspired J-Pop song. Sparks took the first prize from the audience with a slick and focused contemporary dance performance.

Classical instrumental performances were provided by Naomi Vogel on her flute, Ellena Meachen on clarinet. Also, Alex Sidney, Year 9, gave a very moving performance on “Mad World” on keyboard, accompanied by Lizzy Vogel on her cello. Lizzy appeared as keyboard accompanist to a number of other performers, including Jess Irving who opened the show with a rousing musical theatre number. George Crisp returned to his first love – rock guitar after offering a magic act last year. Apparently George has been so busy gigging that he didn’t have time to polish up any more magic tricks for this year!

Other acts included Lilimae Nicholson who performed a contemporary dance solo for us and Ryan Selwyn performed a medley of film music on keyboard. Singer songwriters Cerys Blake and Hannah Bavage closed the show with a soulful duet characterised by haunting “honey-covered” harmonies, as described by judge Mrs Williamson. Mr Devonish was humbled by the girls’ performance as he was by that of Katie Lee who is stepping ably into Hannah and Cerys’ shoes with her rich, mature vocals and superb guitar. Katie delivered her own composition to rapturous applause.

A high point in the night for us was the musical combo-collective, made up of some of the most talented musicians for Years 8-11. It was such a delight to see and hear our talented musicians getting together during their lunch breaks to rehearse together and to play before a truly receptive audience. Most performers have been mentioned elsewhere but not the incredible ukulele trio: Beth Windle, Ben Bilverstone and, last year’s winner, Oscar Futter. Just brilliant!

Technical support was offered by Harry Sutton, James Kimber and Aaron Nicholson, refreshments and moral support were provided by Tash and Renie Nicholson, Mrs Gill, Joy Bolton and Mandy Slater – so thanks chaps! We couldn’t have done it without you!